Dr. Theresa Nguyen

Biography

Associate Professor Theresa Nguyen at the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science at the University of San Diego combines her enthusiasm for teaching, clinical practice, and health equity research. As a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner since 2007, she has committed her career to supporting the mental health well-being of women and families throughout their reproductive lifespan. Her clinical experience encompasses academic medical centers, community mental health organizations, and private practice, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the systems and inequities that influence patient care. Dr. Nguyen's academic journey began at UCLA, where she earned her B.S. in Physiological Science before completing her M.S. in Nursing at Columbia University and her Ph.D. in Nursing Science at the University of San Diego. She later served as a postdoctoral fellow in the National Clinician Scholars Program funded by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, further honing her expertise in policy-relevant research and community-engaged scholarship. Her research is dedicated to advancing perinatal mental health equity within Asian American communities, with a particular focus on data disaggregation to address structural barriers to care. Dr. Nguyen's contributions have gained international recognition, evidenced by her selection as a featured Junior Investigator for the 2025 Marcé North America Biennial Conference in Toronto, Canada. She is dedicated to strengthening the nursing workforce and conducting health policy research that fosters inclusive excellence in health professions education. Through her teaching, scholarship, and clinical work, Dr. Nguyen is driven by her belief that equitable and compassionate mental health care is essential for thriving communities, emphasizing the critical role of nurses in achieving this vision.

Research Interests

Experience